First Sauber appearance 'awesome' - Sirotkin

Sergey Sirotkin made his first public appearance driving a Sauber Formula One car in Russia on Friday.

As part of the build-up to next year's inaugural Russian Grand Prix, Sirotkin drove a C31 on a 700m section of the Sochi circuit. Having had his first taste of a Formula One car in front of his home crowd, Sirotkin admitted it had been an important experience.

"These were my first metres in a Formula One car, which obviously is something very special, even though it was only a short part of the Sochi track," Sirotkin said. "Nevertheless I was able to gain a first impression, and this was awesome. It was fun to drive in front of such a big crowd, particularly because most of them were compatriots. Russia can be proud of this great track."

Sirotkin will be promoted to a race seat with Sauber next season provided he can acquire a super licence for 2014.